How to support your student when they’re sick
Getting sick at college can be challenging, especially when your student is away from home. While you may not be able to bring them soup or medicine yourself, you can help them figure out what they need, connect with campus resources and know when to seek medical care.
Here are a few ways you can support your student when they’re sick at CU Boulder.
Encourage them to slow down and rest
When students are balancing classes, work and other commitments, they may feel pressure to keep going even when they’re sick. Encourage your student to give themselves time to rest and recover.
If they need to miss class or work, they can:
- Contact instructors or supervisors as soon as they reasonably can to let them know they’re sick.
- Ask about next steps for missed classes, assignments, exams or work shifts.
- Stay in touch with instructors if their illness lasts more than a few days or affects their coursework.
- Contact Disability Services for guidance if an extended illness, injury, surgery or other temporary medical condition significantly affects their academics.
Students who live with roommates may not be able to completely separate from others while they recover. Encourage them to limit close contact when possible, consider wearing a mask around others and take reasonable precautions in shared spaces.
Help with the practical stuff
Simple support from home can make being sick at college a little easier. Ask your student whether they have food, fluids, medicine and other basic supplies. You can also help them think through what they need or remind them about resources available on campus.
Students can find:
- Free illness-care supplies: Visit wellness spaces on campus.
- Cold-care supplies delivered to residence halls: Students living on campus can request a free Buff Box.
- Medication and testing supplies: The Apothecary Pharmacy at Wardenburg carries over-the-counter medications, prescriptions and at-home testing supplies.
Rest, fluids and basic symptom relief may be enough for many common illnesses. If your student isn't sure what they need, has symptoms that concern them or isn't getting better as expected, encourage them to contact a health care provider.
Encourage them to seek care when they need it
If your student is unsure what to do, they can contact CU Boulder Medical Services at 303-492-5101 or schedule a same-day nurse call through their MyCUHealth portal. A nurse can discuss their symptoms and help them determine appropriate next steps.
For after-hours support, CU Boulder students can use TimelyCare for free telehealth medical care. Students can create an account and connect with a provider when Medical Services is closed.
Encourage your student to seek medical guidance if their symptoms are worsening, aren't improving as expected or are concerning to them. A health care provider can also advise them about testing, treatment and when it's appropriate to return to class, work and other activities.
Know when it’s an emergency
Knowing the signs of a medical emergency can help you and your student decide when they need immediate help.
Encourage your student to seek emergency care right away for symptoms such as:
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain or pressure
- Sudden confusion
- Difficulty staying awake
- Blue or gray lips, face or skin
Call 911 in an emergency.
Check in and offer reassurance
Being sick away from home can feel isolating. A text, phone call or offer to help your student think through their next step can make a difference. Give them space to rest but continue checking in if you're concerned about how they're doing.
With support from you and access to campus health resources, your student can focus on taking care of themselves and getting back to their routine when they're ready.